Aciclovir Viatris (Aciclovir Sodium Dihydrate)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Prescription RequiredQuick Facts
What Is Aciclovir Viatris Used For?
Aciclovir Viatris is an antiviral medicine that helps fight certain viral infections in your body.
Primary Uses
Aciclovir Viatris is used for managing certain infections caused by viruses, such as shingles and herpes.
How It Works
It works by preventing the multiplication of the virus which is causing the condition.
Good to know: Aciclovir Viatris is not addictive.
How to Take Aciclovir Viatris
Aciclovir Viatris is given as a slow infusion directly into your bloodstream by a healthcare professional.
Dosage Instructions
Your doctor will decide what dose you will receive. The amount you will be given will be specific to your age, weight, general health and underlying conditions. The duration of treatment depends on the condition being treated.
Important: This medication is only administered by a doctor or nurse in a medical setting.
Available Tablet Strengths
Side Effects
Like all medications, this medicine can cause side effects. Most are mild and temporary, but some require medical attention.
Common Side Effects
These side effects occur relatively frequently and usually don’t require emergency care:
- discomfort, swelling, redness or heat at the injection site
- nausea and/or vomiting
- loss of appetite
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- difficulty breathing
- swelling of the face, lips, tongue or other parts of the body (allergic reaction)
- abdominal pain
- diarrhoea or bloody diarrhoea
- abnormal bleeding or bruising
- blood in urine or dark urine
- seizures
- tremors
- confusion
- delusion
- loss of coordination
- difficulty in speech
- yellowing of the skin or eyes
- fever
Important Warnings
There are important safety considerations to discuss with your doctor before receiving Aciclovir Viatris.
Who Should Not Take Aciclovir Viatris
Do not use if you are allergic to aciclovir, valaciclovir, or any of the other ingredients. Do not give to children under one year of age as safety and effectiveness have not been established.
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Tell your doctor if you have any condition affecting your nervous system, hypoxia (inadequate oxygen supply to cells), liver or kidney problems, irregular electrolyte levels, dehydration, low blood pressure, or if you take any medicines for any other condition.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Like most medicines, Aciclovir Viatris is not recommended for use during pregnancy. It passes into breast milk and is not recommended while breastfeeding. Your doctor will discuss the risks and benefits with you.
Elderly Patients: If you are over 65 years of age you may have an increased chance of getting side effects.
Drug Interactions
Some medicines may interfere with Aciclovir Viatris and affect how it works.
- probenecid (medicine used to treat gout)
- cimetidine (medicine used for stomach ulcers)
- mycophenolate, ciclosporin, tacrolimus or interferon (medicines used to control the immune system)
- diuretics (medicines to prevent fluid retention)
- zidovudine (medicine used for HIV infection or AIDS)
- methotrexate (medicine used for cancer and conditions of the immune system)
- lithium (medicine used for treatment of mental illness)
- theophylline (medicine used to treat lung diseases)
Alcohol & Driving
Be careful with alcohol and driving while receiving this medication as it can affect your ability to function safely.
Alcohol
Be careful when drinking alcohol while you are taking this medicine. If you drink alcohol, symptoms such as headache or dizziness may be worse.
Driving and Operating Machinery
Be careful before you drive or use any machines or tools until you know how Aciclovir Viatris affects you. This medication may cause headache, dizziness, ataxia, encephalopathy, somnolence, confusion, tremor, hallucination, psychosis, convulsion and coma in some people.
Storage
Aciclovir Viatris will be stored in the pharmacy or on the ward. It is stored in a cool dry place where the temperature stays below 25°C and protected from moisture.
Overdose Information
If you think that you or anyone else may have received too much Aciclovir Viatris, urgent medical attention may be needed. Immediately phone the Poisons Information Centre (Australia telephone 13 11 26) for advice, contact your doctor, or go to the Emergency Department at your nearest hospital. Symptoms of an overdose may include nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, confusion, agitation, drowsiness, hallucinations, tremors or convulsions.
Frequently Asked Questions
The duration of treatment depends on the condition being treated. Your doctor will determine the appropriate treatment length based on your specific condition.
Since Aciclovir Viatris is given as an infusion directly into your bloodstream by a healthcare professional, food intake does not affect the medication.
No, Aciclovir Viatris is not addictive.
Be careful when drinking alcohol while receiving this medicine. If you drink alcohol, symptoms such as headache or dizziness may be worse.
Tell your doctor or nurse if you have any less serious side effects that worry you. Call your doctor straight away or go to the Emergency Department if you notice serious side effects like difficulty breathing, swelling, seizures, or yellowing of skin or eyes.
If you are over 65 years of age you may have an increased chance of getting side effects. Your doctor will monitor you carefully during treatment.
Your doctor will instruct you to drink plenty of fluids during treatment. If you cannot drink due to your condition, your doctor will ensure that you receive plenty of fluids through other means.
Important Disclaimer
This information is intended for general educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately.